Randy Hannan, executive assistant to Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, said that approval of the Lansing City Council is not required.

"Mayor Bernero has the authority as the city's chief executive officer to approve the agreement on behalf of the city," Hannan said in an email.

Hannan said details are being worked out as the plan moves along. He said officials are aiming for the shared chief to begin overseeing Lansing's fire department in mid-January, when current chief Tom Cochran officially retires.